Reimposta ricerca
Parental Leave Trip
  • Matthew Chapman
  • Laura Chapman
feb – ago 2024

Parental Leave Trip

Un’avventura di 187 giorni di Matthew & Laura Leggi altro
SeguiPanoramicaCalendarioCondividiCondividiLista dei desideri
Prima i più nuovi
  • Parental Leave Trip
    111

    Fishing Rarotonga!

    6 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    We went fishing on a charter boat today out of Rarotonga! Rosie and Poppy coped with the rough conditions really well, although Poppy was sporadically sick which must of been sea sickness, didn't stop her smiling though! Laura caught the biggest fish and we had over 30 in 4 hours. We're now on Tuna dinners for the next few nights..Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    2

    Lagoon Cruise

    7 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We all went on the Koka Lagoon Cruise this morning. The guys from Koka are musicians and sing and play music and spend most of the time making jokes and making sure everyone is having a good time. They took the group out to the reserve where the giant clams are. I saw one when snorkeling that must have been about 1m long! There were also loads of Blue Trevally and butterfly fish as well as a big snapper. It was a glass bottom boat Rosie got to see them too ☺️
    Then we headed to the Motu for lunch, yummy salads and BBQ fish, chicken and sausages.
    After lunch they played songs from different places and asked people where they were from. When Matt said UK they called him up to the 'stage' and said this man is from the UK and in the UK they dance like this... Was very funny to watch, luckily Matt is up for a laugh.
    After the cruise Matt went snorkeling and although the visibility was bad he saw a turtle just sat on the sand. We spotted one from the beach too so I went out and found it and swam above it (in the very shallow lagoon) watching it feed and come up for air. It was so close I could hear it breathe when it came up!
    Rosie made friends with our new neighbours on the beach - a 4yr old called Amelia. And she has a 6 month old brother so Poppy has a friend too. Shame we're only here for 1 more full day.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Bus to the Gardens

    8 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Caught the 'Clockwise Bus' to Maire Nui Gardens. Not a very big place but some beautiful flowers there! Matt found the resident goat and Rosie wanted to say hello but was also a bit scared. We walked over and it started weeing at us and then drank it's wee! Rosie thought it was hilarious!
    We went to the garden cafe for a smoothie/iced coffee and the yummiest cheesecake ever. It came with tropical fruits and the dragon fruit was absolutely delicious!
    A nice man gave us a lift back from the gardens to our place, and wouldn't take the money we offered. People are really friendly and kind here.
    In the afternoon Rosie, Matt and Poppy had a swim in the pool and sea whilst I kayaked around Koromiri Motu (island). Didn't see a huge amount other than sea slugs, Picasso triggerfish, butterfly fish and lots of green weed, but it was interesting to see some of the shipwreck. And nice to do a bit of exercise!
    Matt had a kite in the afternoon too. Wasn't quite windy enough but I'm glad he got in as it's our last day here today - off to the airport in the morning to go to Aitutaki. It looks beautiful there.
    Got dinner from the takeaway nearby tonight and Rosie really enjoyed played with Amelia who's in the suite next to ours. She's 4 and they played really nicely together. I don't think either of them wanted to stop and go to bed!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip

    Aitutaki

    9 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Arrived in Aitutaki. Beautiful views of the island and Motus as we came in. Such a tiny airport. Our hire car company told us to pick the car up from the airport car park and that the keys would be in the ignition and our name on the dashboard!
    They're so trusting here, but I guess where would someone go if they stole it only 800 people live here! We were greeted at the airport by our host with flower necklaces which Rosie loved. They sorted a different hire car for us so we'd have AC which was really kind of them.
    Took a drive around the island and went the off road route by accident! Very remote and could easily get stuck if there had been heavy rain.
    Checked out some local 'supermarkets'. As we'd been told there's basically no fresh food, even fruit and veg. So we decided to eat out for dinner.
    When we got into our villa Rosie was so excited and ran from room to room. She ran into our room and came and got me to show me "look there's your bed and that's Poppy's bed!"
    We had dinner at a place called the Boatshed and they've got swings, a slide, trampoline and tree house so Rosie was very happy.
    Watched the sunset at ours after :)    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    13211

    Day 2 in Aitutaki

    10 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Woke up early to walk up the hill to a viewing point not far from ours - although nothing is far! A very steep climb with some nice views at the top, apart from the Vodafone building...
    Went to a beach near the airport for snorkeling. Rosie and I made a picture from coral. She said she wanted to make a picture of Poppy - her whole body. And then later suggested Poppy should be sat on a swing with us pushing her - definitely outside of my creative talents!
    Poppy happily laid on the mat chattering to us whilst we hunted for coral.
    Rosie and I then went for a swim and she shouted "tidal wave!", made a big splash with her arms in the water and thought it was hilarious! Matt has taught her this game. She was laughing so much in the sea with me today :)
    Lunch at a Koru cafe at the tip of the island. Delicious fish sliders and iced coffee. A lovely local lady and her partner (?) chatted to us and said how brave we are for traveling with two kids. She had a cuddle with Poppy - although Poppy got a bit teary. She's got a bit of a cold I think and had a runny eye today. The lady gave me her flower crown and Rosie was so pleased and wore it this afternoon.
    Quick play in the park but it got very hot and sunny. Collected 1 green and 1 brown coconut and got some bananas and other bits from the shop.
    Dinner at the Boatshed again as they are open and start dinner early enough!
    Off on a charter boat tomorrow to explore the islands and do some snorkeling.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    12

    Snorkeling trip

    11 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Half day boat charter with Wet and Wild today. The driver QJ (Quentin Junior) was really nice and took us to his favourite spots. First we swam with Giant Trevally fish - they were huge dark grey/black fish that could swim so fast! He fed them a bit so we could see them thrash around at the surface. Rosie was so brave and went in to swim with them with Matt without seeming at all nervous. And she managed to climb in and out of the boat down the ladder with hardly any help.
    Poppy was very sleepy and chilled so QJ gave her a cuddle whilst I went in as well.
    We went to another spot afterwards which had giant clams - even bigger than the ones we saw in Rarotonga!
    And there were some beautiful corals there with all sorts of different fish I hadn't seen before.
    Poppy had a sleep and Rosie had another swim which kept her entertained. They brought us a drinking coconut for the boat which was deliciously sweet and so refreshing.
    Last stop was One Foot Island where Rosie and I had a play in the sea and we had a bit to eat and a quick explore. Rosie said she wanted to stay there "all the night". It was idyllic.
    Spent the afternoon at the beach near the airport. The tide was so low that Rosie could walk alongside us and look right into the corals and see the reef fish, blue starfish, sea slugs and ragworm (?) up close. Poppy came in for a dip too :)
    Early dinner and Rosie fell asleep at the table as soon as she finished!
    Poppy was very vocal tonight and spent most of the time chewing Matt's watch - I think she's teething at the moment. Her eye seems lots better today.
    Lagoon cruise and beach BBQ tomorrow and on Wednesday I have a massage booked!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip

    One Foot Island

    12 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Lagoon cruise today with a stop off at one of the Motus where they used to land seaplanes to refuel. Stopped for snorkeling to see the giant clams too. Rosie didn't seem bothered at all that the water was choppy today. A delicious BBQ fish lunch on One Foot Island (although Rosie fell off her chair and banged her head! Luckily it's just a scratch and small bruise). Lots of time to explore the island so Poppy and I went to explore and came across idyllic beaches and a red tailed tropic bird, whilst Matt and Rosie played in the sea.
    Pizza at home and a beautiful sunset despite all the clouds. Lots of rain and wind tonight. We found a baby chick on our porch which Rosie fell in love with and was very concerned about whether his mummy would find him!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1111

    Massages and Monkeying Around

    13 marzo 2024, Isole Cook ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Lots of rain this morning so Matt and Rosie played in the pool at our house.
    I had a remedial massage at a local hotel spa which was sooo nice! So nice in fact that I booked Matt the same for the afternoon.
    Lunch at Koru cafe - think that might be our favourite cafe as the staff are so nice and the food is yummy!
    Went to Ootu Beach after lunch as the water was a bit calmer there. The girls loved playing in the sea. It was really nice to have a splash around with them both.
    Matt had his massage in the afternoon whilst the girls and I played at the house.
    Dinner out then a sunset pudding at home :)
    Last full day on Aitutaki tomorrow. I wasn't sure about it here at first as I really loved our set up at Muri Beach in Rarotonga, but I'm starting to get used to the more chilled pace of life and the quietness here.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    First night in the camper!

    17 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Arrived at Auckland last night. Rosie was very tired as it was past her bedtime. We didn't realise we had to do an arrivals form as well as visa so it took a bit longer to get through the airport than we'd have liked!
    Stayed at the airport Novotel and had room service before bed. Lots of the staff were admiring Poppy at breakfast and saying how gorgeous she is ❤️
    Headed off to collect our campervan from Maui after breakfast. We were all really excited to pick it up and get on the road! After eventually working out how to cross a road .... (no footpaths so had to get shuttle buses to go about 1km) We made it to Maui campers and picked up our van. It does look big compared to some of the others but inside it seems about right. We've stocked the cupboards and had our first van dinner. Just getting the girls ready for bed now. Hopefully they'll sleep ok!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Hanging out at Orere

    18 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Had a chilled out day at the campsite and at Orere Point today. I went for a run after breakfast. Saw quite a few fishing boats hooked up to old tractors as well as amazing views of the Beach Reserve which would probably have been too far to go with Rosie. Matt took the girls for a walk to the river and park and then to the beach. Started off pretty cold this morning with Rosie in wellies and by 10am it was bright sunshine and very warm! On off with clouds and sunshine today, seems like typical NZ weather.
    Had a BBQ at the campsite for lunch. Played with a kids rugby ball from reception after which Rosie loved. She laughed so much at chasing us to try and get it!
    Then Matt went for a run whilst we played in the park and did some mini golf.
    Poppy has been so sweet and happy today. Lots of smiles and bababa type noises at us. Think she likes the cooler weather!
    Rosie was very tired by the evening and wanted "all my family" to come for a nap around 4.30pm!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip

    Highway 25 and Hot Water Beach

    19 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Poppy was up early so she came into the mezzanine bed with us. She was so cute and cuddly. Packed up the camper to drive to Thames and then on to Coromandel and finally Hot Water Beach Top 10 holiday park.
    Picked up a balance bike and helmet for Rosie on the way.
    Some beautiful views of the Firth of Thames as we drove up the coast to Coromandel. Some quite steep climbs and bendy roads but the camper managed it well. The girls did great for most of the drive but it was about 3hrs in total and I think they were both pretty sick of driving by the end!
    Arrived at the campsite in time for a quick play on the 'bouncing pillow' trampoline.
    Got fish and chips from the campsite and headed down to Hot Water Beach with Rosie on her new bike. She was a very happy girl :)
    Found some of the hot water springs and paddled our feet in the pools.
    Lots more people here and families too. Looking forward to exploring all the activities tomorrow.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Mercury Bay Glass Bottom Boat Tour

    21 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Woken up this morning with Rosie at the bottom of our ladder saying "Mummy and Daddy, Poppy has done lots of stinky farts and a poo poo in my bed". She was right! Poppy looked very happy about it all. Luckily it stayed in her nappy!
    Did a glass bottom boat tour of Mercury Bay today, heading out from Whitianga Wharf. Stopped to look at Lonely Bay beach (very beautiful) and Cooks Beach (not quite as beautiful) as well as the dramatic white Shakespeare Cliff also named by Captain Cook.
    We took a look at Cathedral Cove which has stunning rock formations and you can currently only get to it by sea as the footpath got damaged in a cyclone.
    Next up we went into NZ's second largest sea cave, Oria Sea Cave. Both Rosie and Poppy were asleep by then, despite the noise of the engine and driving through chop.
    We stopped at various points in the marine reserve to take a look at what was there. Mainly snapper but a few other species too. Think we've been spoilt by seeing lots of tropical fish in the South Pacific!
    The boat was a great way to see some of the top sites and get a sense of the area. Had a lovely lunch at Whitianga and a play on the pirate ship in the park before heading off.
    Matt had a quick kite on the beach up the road whilst Poppy napped and Rosie did some writing and cutting with me. After a food shop I had a run along Hot Water beach and Matt took Rosie on the go karts at the campsite. Rosie was really helpful this afternoon and fed Poppy her dinner as well as got them both ready for bed!
    Poppy loved her dinner and gobbled up the sweet potato and banana puree.
    We're checking out of the holiday park tomorrow to find a freedom camping spot down the coast. Will be nice to camp up somewhere with a nice view and be a bit more off grid.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Tuapiro Reserve

    22–23 mar 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We stayed at a site with hot springs yesterday, Rosie loved it and spent hours swimming! We then drove around 5 miles to a freedom camp at Tuapiro reserve which is beautiful, no houses, old growth forest and amazing estuary! I had a go at fishing at low tide and caught my first snapper and kahawi plus saw sting Ray. Definitely our favourite spot so far 👌Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1111

    Fergusson Park and Kulim Park

    25 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Beautiful sunrise over the water this morning. I went for a quick run after breakfast through Tuapiro reserve. Matt took Rosie on her bike with Poppy in the sling, and did a bit of fishing at the end of the reserve. No luck today sadly, maybe next time when the tide is right. Rosie loved helping with setting up the rod nevertheless.
    Drove over to Fergusson Park for Matt to go for a kite but the wind was on and off so not a great session. Rosie and I had fun playing in the park though. She spent most of the time pretending to drive the 'boat'.
    Next on to Kulim Park to stay in the freedom camping spots here for the night. There's a great park for kids here, cute little beach facing Mount Maunganui (with a beach toy library!) and trail for Rosie to ride her bike on. Loads of kids playing which was nice to see. And a big group having a BBQ on the public BBQs for someone's birthday. Full moon tonight and at sunset a lady set up her sax and speakers at the end of the pier and played some classics. Rosie and Poppy had a little dance together before bed.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    111

    Mount Maunganui

    26 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Matt and Rosie had a coffee and watched the sunrise together this morning. And played in the park with Rosie still in her PJs.
    Drove over to Mount Maunganui and explored Motoriki Island. Matt went fishing and Rosie, Poppy and I played nearby then walked around the island. Poppy happily watched Rosie walking along with 'baby' on her front in my adapted hoodie sling.
    I ran up the Mount which is right next to our campsite. Amazing views of the Bay of Plenty. Cool to be able to see our campervan from the top and what a nice location it is.
    Rosie read to Poppy a few times today which Poppy seemed to really enjoy. Matt did our BBQ dinner using the campsite BBQ. Nice to have a bit more space to cook and eat than in the camper!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    4131

    Ohope!

    27 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Today we started off at Mt Maunganui, I did a sunrise run up the mount and the views were great 👍 Although the salt baths after the girls went to bed last night we're better!
    We then drove to Ohope and found an amazing freedom camp on the estuary. We parked so close to the water that I could tie my fishing rod to the van and watch it out the window. We went for a walk along the beach to the mouth of the estuary and back. It seemed pretty remote for all of it with no one around and no foot prints in the sand. Rosie loved it though and ran over a kilometer on the sand, we struggled to keep up! When we got back to the van we caught a snapper which we ate 10 minutes later 😁 Great way to end the day!Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1

    Hell's Gate

    28 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Matt was up before the sun to try and catch another snapper before we headed off this morning. Rosie had a lie in and preferred to have breakfast in the van in the warm (felt chilly this morning!).
    No luck with the snapper but had some of the locals (Pukeko) for company. They were interested in Matt's bait and very inquisitive.
    Headed off to Hell's Gate geothermal park to see the different pools of boiling mud, water and steam. The rocks had yellow crystals from the sulphur and there was a pretty walk through tree ferns and past a waterfall to see an impressive steam field at the end. The girls seemed to enjoy the walk but Rosie said "it smells so bad I'm going to have to put my fingers in my nose!"
    Rosie and Matt went in the mud spa whilst Poppy and I visited the hot pool. A lady in the changing room said she'd seen Rosie enjoying covering Matt in mud!
    Camped up at the Top 10 Holiday Park at the Blue Lake. Doesn't look that blue to be honest, perhaps because it's been cloudy and raining this afternoon. Poppy happily played in the car seat with her fabric book whilst we had dinner. She's such an easy going and happy little baby ❤️    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    2
    1

    Kerosene Creek

    29 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    I had a run around the Blue Lake this morning. First part was road and then scrambling about to get to the high water path, but then rewarded by winding through redwoods and tree ferns. The light through the leaves of the tree ferns was really beautiful. Once we'd packed up the camper, we headed down to Kerosene Creek, a hot stream and falls about 45mins from the Blue Lake. Rosie and Poppy loved it and Rosie didn't want to get out! Lots of other people there too, and lots of families. Really cool to see people enjoying the geothermal features without having to pay for it.
    We booked a campsite for tonight as it's Easter holidays and there aren't many freedom camping spots near where we want to stop. It was a 2.5hr drive and luckily the girls slept for most of it and were happily playing with each other and chatting to us when they were awake. Passed the huge Lake Taupo and some stunning snowy volcanoes at Tongariro National Park. Nice to see some mountains :) But prior to that, fields and fields of tree stumps and forestry - not so scenic and sad to think how beautiful it would have been before Europeans came along.
    Poppy was very happy to lie on her back on the bed and wiggle about when we arrived at the campsite. I put her on her front for some tummy time but she rolled over straight away!
    Rosie had a ride in the trike when we arrived at the campsite which was fun. When I was driving she said my driving was really funny though - how rude!
    Poppy ate lots at dinner and enjoyed munching through a pepper.
    Then at bedtime whilst reading Mr Bump she said Daddy is Mr Tickle, Mummy is Mr Bump and we decided that she's Mr Nonsense. I think Poppy would be Mr Happy.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    11213

    Otaki Beach

    30 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Drove south ready to go on the ferry to the south island tomorrow, from Wellington to Picton.
    Visited 'Carrotland' before we left Ohakune - an adventureland with loads of play stuff for kids as well as huge vegetable statues including a carrot race car and a carrot rocket! They even had a pump track. All free to use and looks like they fundraised for the whole project and got donations from the community and business sponsors. (The area is famous for growing vegetables hence the theme).
    Rosie did so well on her bike and rode a long way there and back to the cafe.
    Poppy slept the whole time and even whilst Matt went back to the van to pack everything up.
    3hr drive today and the girls did really well again in the back. Poppy slept and played with Rosie and Rosie only needed some company from me at the end. Beautiful colours on some of the trees as they turn for autumn. Nice mountain and gorge views too, but mostly lots of fields.

    Found a cool freedom camping spot right on the beach and river. Lots of other campers and people fishing off the shore. Matt caught several Kahawai. Pretty big fish! Baked one for dinner tonight and we have another for tomorrow - yummy!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    11131

    Marlborough Sound

    30 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    We arrived in to South Island and found a lovely camp spot in Marlborough Sound. Absolutely beautiful place and great for fishing straight out the van. Rosie got really into it and did it for three hours straight yesterday, she caught lots of fish and we ended up having to drag her away! We also caught more snapper so have eaten fish everyday for days now :) We then move to a spot bear Abel Tasman and have a boat trip planned around it booked for tomorrow. We put the line out when we arrived and hooked straight into a massive sting ray, it took ages to land it! Rosie was really disappointed that she didn't get to stroke it.. Poppy continues to just seem to love everything that we do and wow everybody with beautiful smiles 😃Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    11

    Kia Ora South Island!

    31 marzo 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Aaaand we're here!
    Arrived at the South Island on the Interislander ferry late afternoon on Sunday.
    Started the morning with a quick sunrise ride on Rosie's bike - didn't last too long as it was too gravelly, but she did really well!
    1hr drive from our campsite to Wellington. Had a quick walk through the Botanic gardens in Wellington and a play in their park. Poppy loved the rocker with Rosie and was making happy/excited noises on the big swing.
    Interislander ferry was much like a smaller version of the Brittany ferry. Realised in the queue that Rosie hadn't been on a big ferry like that where you drive on, so explained what would happen. She seemed really excited all morning.
    Some nice views coming out of Wellington and then stunning scenery coming through Marlborough Sounds into Picton on the south island. Seems to be a lot more natural forest here.
    Camped up at Momorangi Bay, just 25mins from Picton. Rosie fell asleep in the van and woke up all confused and upset as it was dinner time.
    Matt cooked us the fish he caught with some pasta which was delicious. Chatted to some of our camping neighbours who seem very friendly, and took Rosie to the beach side play park after dinner.
    And after the girls went to bed we (separately) did the forest glow worm walk above the campsite. Spot the glowworms in the photo! The different ferns were beautiful too.    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    11

    Abel Tasman and Golden Bay

    3 aprile 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Boat tour along Abel Tasman national park yesterday. The boat dropped groups off to different beaches on the way up the coast and ours was at the end, so we got a good feel for what the park's coastline is like - in summary lots of stunning sandy beaches and beautiful native forests.
    Saw some fur seals on a couple of the small islands too, and I thought one seal we saw was a dolphin as it was diving and playing in the wake from our boat!
    We had a few hours on our beach at Awaroa Bay. Spent it enjoying the views and our picnic and watching Rosie run up the beach. I also had a quick swim in the sea - felt just as cold as at home! Quick coffee at The Lodge meant we had a nice walk through the forest. Looked like it would be an awesome place to stay.
    By the time the boat picked us up Rosie was exhausted! Poppy was delightful as usual and smiling at people on the boat and making friends. Fish and chips and burger for me for dinner. Poppy absolutely demolished the tomatoes in my burger! Her gums seem to cut through most food now!
    Today we haven't done a huge amount. I've got a sore throat and the weather hasn't been great for most of the day. Highlight was Rosie getting her pink fishing rod - she was very excited! And we got Poppy some 6-9 month babygrows as she's grown out of hers now.
    We found a spot to do some fishing and Poppy and I went for a walk. Checked in to the Top 10 at Pohara just before dinner. Matt had the girls and apparently Rosie just ran back and forth on the beach (the rain cleared this afternoon and it got really hot!). Dinner and pudding on the beach which was lovely. Poppy munched through some peppers and earlier that day had a few bits of cucumber so she's done well today!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    11122

    Golden Bay

    4 aprile 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We are on our second night at Collingwood in Golden Bay, it is extremely quiet here with very little going on but excellent fishing! On the way here we went to Labyrinth Rocks which were really fun, Rosie loved exploring them and finding all the treasure that had beenstashed away. We then went for lunch at a salmon farm where you catch your own salmon and they smoke it for you on the spot. Catching the salmon proved harder than we expected but it tasted great! We've caught kahawai each day here and smoked them on manuka wood pellets which made them taste amazing too. Tomorrow we're heading west towards Westport :)Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    1
    1112

    Westport :)

    8 aprile 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Yesterday we drove from Motueka to Westport. A lot of the drive was along the Motueka river which was stunning and we saw our first native forest of the trip too 😀. On the way we stopped to walk over a massive swing bridge which Rosie walked across all by herself, Rosie and I then took the zip wire back, followed by Laura and Poppy! I'm still a little surprised that they let small children on it but they both loved it. Rosie looked so proud of herself after doing it 💗 The free camp at Westport is lovely and Rosie had a massive run on the beach when we arrived.Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione
  • Parental Leave Trip
    111

    Change of plan...

    10 aprile 2024, Nuova Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Finding out that Highway 6 to Fox Glacier was closed because of a slip meant a change of plans first thing this morning. Luckily we weren't too far away from Arthur's Pass which crosses the mountains between the west and east coasts.
    Had some stunning views of mountains and waterfalls at the top of Arthur's Pass National Park, despite lots of rain!
    There was also an impressive water shoot over the top of the road which was creating a huge constructed waterfall.
    Stopped off for lunch in Arthur's Pass village. Too rainy to do any walking there but luckily the weather cleared just as we reached Cave Stream reserve. Beautiful views of the clouds and valleys there. And really enjoyed seeing the wildflowers too, including pink and purple lupins.
    I think Matt most enjoyed winding me up about going into the cave itself as you have to walk through a river upstream. We just went to the entrance to have a look thankfully!
    Arrived at our campsite at Mount Somers around 4pm. Lovely campsite with pretty and homely feeling gardens and views of the mountains. Rosie enjoyed playing some table football and table tennis before dinner.
    Both the girls still have a cold but don't have temperatures now which is good. Poppy has spent a lot of the day asleep but is back to smiling again now :) when she is poorly and not smiling it makes you realise how smiley and cheerful she is normally!    Leggi altro

    Guarda la traduzione